Lessons Learned

Last night I fell in love. I failed to cover the goings on at the Continental Club, which sits cosily on the corner of Main and Holden a few storefronts away from The Mink. This was an EPIC oversight on my behalf, and for that, I apologize.

I'll start by saying that I began my evening at The Mink for the underground hip-hop sounds of B L A C K I E and Fat Tony- a highly anticipated show. I hustled over to the backroom and promptly ordered a drink so that I could prepared myself for Nirvana, because surely the musical stylings of these young artists are bound to enlighten. Five vodka sodas and forty-five minutes later, I began to question what was going on. There was house music playing, white kids were jumping up and down so hard I could see the floor move, and there was a smoke machine. I did not sign up for that. Awash in douchebag conversations, I made my way out of The Mink and over to The Continental Club. Although the show got off to a rough start, it was all-in-all a success, mostly because of this fact: White Kids Love Hip Hop.

The Continental Club is one of those places that kind of makes you feel like you've stepped into a 1950's greaser pool hall a la James Dean. I paid my 10 door fee and walked inside totally unprepared for what was to come. Vagabond Swing, from Lafayette, Louisiana was the band on stage when I arrived, and chalk it up to serendipity, I was completely blown away by their set. This 7-man band incorporates elements of swing, delta blues, jazz, and rockabilly in such a way that one might ask themselves, how was I not listening to this before? Words can only do so much to describe incredible sound, but feel free to conjure images of the word "vagabond". The energy coming from the stage, aided by a strong percussion section, really got the crowd going in a way that only heavily sexualized gypsy jazz can do, it was a giant orgy for ears. Following this act is a daunting task but leave it to local favorites Sideshow Tramps to segue with such ease. Mandolins, ukuleles, guitars, and even a saw give this Houstonian rockabilly act a truly unique sound. If you love you some good ol' rockabilly or post neo-swing then do yourself a favor and check them out on facebook or myspace. Seriously. Go. Now.  

That's all for now, folks. I'm off to hit the nightlife and tell you about it in the morning.